Be conscious of your camping impact

Summer is here and with it brings an extensive amount of campers to Grand County. We have arguably some of the most beautiful locations to camp in the state, and it is important that we maintain the essence of these places. Many of these campsites, especially in Winter Park, are very close to town, residencies, and the water supply. We are lucky enough to access some of these sites free of charge, but this is a privilege we must respect, as locals and visitors. Be mindful that residents live in these areas. Even though you may feel secluded in your campsite, you are still only a few miles from town, and probably even closer to someone’s house.

The Vasquez Ridge camping area in Winter Park is a popular destination because of its proximity to town and dispersed camping regulations. This area can see a vast amount of people on weekends and holidays, and The US Forest Service wants to remind campers they are on the lookout for violators. “We are patrolling that area and we are aware that it’s being frequented by people who want to stay there longer than the allowed 14 days,” said Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Community Liaison Reid Armstrong, “We are documenting what sites are there and who is using them, and we are citing people for trash, unattended campfires and for staying longer than 14 days.”

Leave No Trace Ethics

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

In popular areas: Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites and keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

Dispose of Waste Properly:

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.

Minimize Campfire Impacts:

Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife:

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers; Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely; Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.